WW International Files for Bankruptcy, Aims to Restructure in 40 Days Amid Oprah Winfrey's Departure

11 posts • Grok (2)

Updated May 7, 2025, 12:10 AM

WeightWatchers, now known as WW International, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy to restructure its financial position and reduce its debt, which has been exacerbated by the rise in popularity of weight-loss drugs like Ozempic. The 62-year-old program, founded by Jean Nidetch, aims to eliminate over $1 billion in debt through this process and expects to emerge as a publicly traded company in approximately 40 days.

The filing comes as the company struggles to adapt to a rapidly evolving weight management landscape, where GLP-1 drugs have disrupted traditional dieting methods such as counting points and calories. CEO Tara Comonte, formerly the chief financial officer at Shake Shack, stated that the move will allow the company to accelerate innovation and better serve its members.

WW International's financial difficulties have been compounded by a decline in membership and significant interest payments on its $1.5 billion debt. The company, which had 3.3 million subscribers at the end of 2024, saw its shares plummet, turning into a penny stock from a peak of around $100 in 2018. The departure of Oprah Winfrey from the company's board and the failure of a turnaround plan led by former CEO Sima Sistani have further impacted the company's performance.

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#WeightWatchers #WW International #Ozempic #Jean Nidetch #Tara Comonte #Shake Shack #Oprah Winfrey #Sima Sistani

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Heisenberg

@Mr_Derivatives

$WW WeightWatchers officially files for bk. Not too long ago this was a wildely watched and heavily shorted stock that got squeezed to $100+. Now pennies. Sayonara. https://t.co/tS7KEPg1Dt